Although it is a very distressing and uncomfortable experience, Anxiety is the most common and treatable mental health condition and one of the most common problems that bring women into my office.

The way women are socialized, our hormonal changes and caregiving stress are some common factors that contribute to anxiety.

If you are experiencing anxiety to a lower extent managing it is a normal part of everyday life and part of being human.

Its normal to feel anxious or worried when facing stressful situations or problems. Anxiety can be helpful at these times to warn us of danger or to motivate us to meet a work deadline, deal with an illness or even a happy situation like moving to a new home.

How do I know if my anxiety is a problem?

Your anxiety and fearful thoughts have such intensity that it becomes overwhelming or unmanageable, and impacts your personal life, work and/or health.

It’s important to seek help if you’re concerned about anxiety in your life.

Many people struggling with anxiety choose to manage symptoms by learning new skills rather than take pills (Important note – in some situations anti-anxiety medication combined with counselling is the best approach and should be discussed with your doctor).

Counselling and in particular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness training have been proven to be very effective in treating anxiety.

You do not have to continue struggling with anxiety, talking about anxiety will help you to understand that you are not alone in your experience and research shows that Counselling is one of the most helpful approaches.

Some of the strategies I use to help you manage your anxiety

Identify unhelpful patterns – thoughts, emotions and behaviours contributing to your anxiety problems and replacing them with more realistic and positive ways to look at and manage your situation.

Get to know your anxiety – Mindfulness training to increase awareness of your particular anxiety and to help you recognize and minimize triggers

Build new coping skills – Learn ways to manage anxiety in the moment that you can do on your own to help keep you feeling better

Gradual exposure – Slow introduction to situations that you may have been avoiding or extremely afraid of until you feel more comfortable with them.

Lifestyle management – Strategies for regulating stress and anxiety such as healthy food choices, exercise, emotional support and sleep. If you are concerned about alcohol, caffeine, or drug use we will look at this as well.

Homework – to practice the new skills between sessions. We measure the results and adjust as needed to ensure the interventions are working for you.

If anxiety stands between you, your priorities and your fulfillment it’s time to take the step towards improving your life.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for all that you have taught me Lyn and I am grateful that you did not give me the answers, but helped me to figure things out on my own."- J. C.

"Whose life is this? Apparently, it's mine...crazy! Life has been really challenging, and yet so rewarding, since I saw you last. I'm gradually piecing my world together in a way that feels right, and which ultimately supports me as I fill out my new skin. I want to express my gratitude for all your kindness and guidance...your impact is felt every day."- E. T.

"My life lacked direction, confidence, and belief in myself. I felt stuck and afraid to create my dream for of failing.
Working with Lyn gave me an understanding of my fears and the tools to overcome them, I now look forward to the journey ahead and believe I can achieve my dreams"- M.B.

"My work with Lyn has been the most important of my life."- D.M.

"I was at a time in my life where I felt lost, alone and so unsure of everything, but mostly unsure of myself. I found Lyn! I'm so grateful that I did. Working with Lyn opened me up to parts of myself and I learned how to embrace and even love myself. I feel stronger. Sure of myself. And how to allow my traits to help me flourish. I even feel more confident as a mom to a beautiful little girl. Of course in life it is all a work in progress. I now look so forward to that work...with Lyn by my side when I know it's time to reach out."- A.B.